Jim's $400.00 1986 VF500F

Discussion in '1st & 2nd Generation 1983-1989' started by Jim McCulloch, Jun 25, 2019.

  1. raYzerman

    raYzerman Member

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    Pretty nice, sir!!
     
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  2. RllwJoe

    RllwJoe Insider

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    Looks like she is getting new shoes also.
     
  3. sixdog

    sixdog Member

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    Nice !


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
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  4. straycat

    straycat Member

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    Nice Job Jim !!
     
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  5. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    Yep, got a few weeks of vacation left to take, so I am gathering parts to take me through the holiday!

    No family at Christmas = tons of time on my hands!
     
  6. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    Lookin' really good, Mr. Jim. The details take time and effort, but are really what pay off at the end.
     
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  7. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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    Nice job. I install my own seat covers and it is not fun usually. But worth it when you get it right. Re-doing the solo seat cowl pads IS A BITCH to do without visible wrinkles. The OEM ones appear to be slightly heat formed when you remove them.
     
  8. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    I was wondering about the form fitting part. When I pulled off the OEM cover it almost looks to be slightly form fitting. It would make sense to do heat forming on a production level.
     
    Last edited: Dec 13, 2020
  9. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    Thanks Norcal, I just needed several days to get it right. Still not 100% happy but you have to say it is finished at some point.

    For future reference, this was the company I used, it was of a good quality construction. There were other covers out there but they were made from several panels and did not have an OEM look.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/VF500F-198...onda-Interceptor-VF500-Red-197a-/160669796503
     
  10. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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    I've bought covers from them and JoMama. Like them both. On some bikes I don't mind the seams, and it can make a better fitting self-installed cover.

    Yours is looking good!
     
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  11. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    Next project is to replace the sight glasses on the Master Cylinders. I am working with Joe over at V4 Dreams on this right now.

    http://v4dreams.com

    Here is what the glasses look like today..

    IMG_0001.JPG

    The clutch sight glass was leaking so I had to silicone it.

    IMG_0002.JPG
     
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  12. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    Disassemble and vapor blast it. It's amazing what it can do to restore parts to like new condition, at a really low cost.

    Before:

    [​IMG]

    After:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    A full rebuild kit and a new lever and it can be made to look like new. I know you are doing a clutch res and master and these are pics of a brake setup, but you get the idea. Not much money, but big bang for the buck.
     
  13. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    Wow! That looks great. I have seen engines done with vapor blasting and they look like new.

    I know it does not matter, but what is the cost local to you doing this service? Is it by the pound?
     
  14. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    Finally got the new front tire on. Getting close to this being a "real" bike. 100/90-16 seems to be an odd size these days.

    One day when I am filthy rich I will buy a tire machine. Changing tires on the floor with tire levers has officially gotten old to me.

    IMG_0007.JPG
     
  15. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    I bought a used manual tire machine which can do up to 17 car wheels - mine has 18's - lol however garages going out of business are always selling their machines for cents 240v models.. You just need space.
     
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  16. Colddevil

    Colddevil Member

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    Yea, the 16" front is pretty limited selection. I thought the selection was basically down to the Metzler and Bridgestone. That Kenda tread pattern looks sweet!

    I think it might be on backwards though. (Kidding! I definitely didn't do that earlier this year myself.... noo...).
     
  17. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    Typically, by the job. Pricing ranges from a 6 pack, to a 12 pack, to a case......Commercially, I don't have a clue what they might charge. I have never done entire engine cases. Typically, it's restoring case covers that I want the paint removed, or just want them to be in like new cosmetic condition. The most cash I paid was $20 for an oil pan. Your experiences may vary.
     
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  18. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    Back when I wasn't as hateful about changing tires, a 30 gallon oil drum with foam pipe wrap around the lip was my go to. You can stand up....The drum can be used as a trash can, when not changing tires.
     
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  19. Jim McCulloch

    Jim McCulloch New Member

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    OMG don't scare me. I checked the rotation like 10 times before I mounted it!
     
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  20. Captain 80s

    Captain 80s Member

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    I installed those Kenda on a 86 VFR700F as a test, as that particular bike (white, limited edition) is not pushed too hard. They are a Bridgestone BT45 knock off. They have a very nice profile, low and sporty. Warm weather grip was good, but they definitely need to be brought up to temperature before spirited activities. Which helps explain why they are not confidence inspiring in colder weather (under 65). The rear wanted to step out a bit when accelerating and turning away from a 4 way stop.
     
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